Method and apparatus for continuously maintaining a volume of coolant within a pressurized cooling system

Abstract

A sealed accumulator is positioned at a location remote from the conventional pressurized liquid cooling system of an internal combustion engine. An overflow conduit communicates between a high point in the system and the accumulator. A make-up conduit communicates between the accumulator and a low point in the system. A normally closed pressure valve, opening in response to system pressure exceeding a predetermined value, is in series with the overflow conduit. In series with the make-up conduit, is a normally closed one-way check valve. Minimum and maximum pressures within the accumulator are regulated respective relief valves. Optionally, a vent valve is installed at a high point for escape of air as coolant is introduced into the system.

Having fully described and disclosed the instant invention, and alternate embodiments thereof, in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is: 
     
       1. In a pressurized liquid cooling system for circulation of coolant and dissipation of heat from an internal combustion engine, which system has a finite capacity and includes a water jacket having an inlet and an outlet,   a radiator having an inlet tank and an outlet tank,   a supply conduit communicating between the outlet tank and the inlet of the water jacket,   a return conduit communicating between the outlet of the water jacket and the inlet tank, and   a pump for circulating coolant through the supply conduit from the radiator to the water jacket, improvements therein for purging gaseous matter from the system and for continuous maintenance of the volumetric capacity of coolant within the system, said improvements comprising:     a. a normally sealed accumulator for holding a reserve supply of coolant and for receiving overflow coolant from said system;   b. an overflow conduit communicating between a high point in said system and said accumulator;   c. normally closed pressure valve mean in series with said overflow conduit for permitting flow of fluid from said system into said accumulator when the pressure within said system exceeds a predetermined maximum value;   d. vent valve means for venting said accumulator to atmosphere in response to a predetermined pressure being attained within said accumulator, said predetermined pressure having a value lesser than the maximum value of said system and greater than ambient;   e. a make-up conduit communicating between said accumulator and a location within said system up-stream of said pump; and   f. a check valve in series with said make-up conduit for permitting flow of fluid from said accumulator into said system in response to the differential pressure across said check valve exceeding a predetermined value.   
     
     
       2. The improvements of claim 1, wherein said vent valve means includes a normally closed first relief valve opening in response to pressure within said accumulator descending a predetermined minimum value. 
     
     
       3. The improvements of claim 2, wherein said vent valve means includes a normally closed second relief valve opening in response to pressure within said accumulator exceeding a predetermined maximum value. 
     
     
       4. The improvements of claim 1, wherein said accumulator further includes normally sealed filler means for introduction of coolant into said accumulator. 
     
     
       5. The improvements of claim 4, wherein said filler means includes: a. an opening in said accumulator for receiving said coolant therethrough; and   b. a selectively openable closure normally sealing said opening.